Diamond Path’s vision is: A society of life
long learners building a global perspective
for a better world. Our school is a place
where children develop unique ways of
contemplating the world around them.
Students receive a rigorous and diverse
education helping them to be creative,
understand different cultures, embrace
challenges, and thrive into today’s
world. Our classroom teachers connect
curriculum to global ideas and use an
international focus to help students
to become responsible world citizens
and develop attitudes of acceptance
and cooperation. The study of a world
language (either Mandarin Chinese or
Spanish) is a key component in achieving
our vision.
All District 196 elementary schools offer the same rigorous
core curriculum in reading, writing, math, science and social
studies. At Diamond Path, these important areas are an
essential part of each student’s day.
school of
International
Studies
What is a School of
International Studies?
At the core…
Literacy includes reading, writing, listening, speaking, word study
and handwriting. Knowledge and skills are acquired through
connected experiences between home, school and community.
Math instruction integrates concepts such as numbers and
operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, data analysis and
probability. Students engage in problem solving, reasoning and
communicating ideas while making connections to the world
around them.
Diamond Path Elementary – School of International Studies
14455 Diamond Path • Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-423-7695 • www.district196.org/dp
Student day: 9:25 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Lynn Hernandez, principal • lynn.hernandez@district196.org
Janet Gulden, magnet school specialist • janet.gulden@district196.org
Educating our students to reach their full potential
Independent School District 196
Rosemount • Apple Valley • Eagan
Diamond Path
Elementary
Where students meet the world
The contents of this brochure were paid
for through a grant from the Department
of Education. However, these contents do
not necessarily represent the policy of the
Department of Education, and you should not
assume endorsement by the federal government.
District 196 does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of
race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability,
status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation or age. The
School District attorney, 14445 Diamond Path West, Rosemount, MN
55068, (651) 423-7883, has been designated to respond to inquiries
regarding the non-discrimination policies, including inquiries under Title IX.
12/08:800
Donde los estudiantes encuentran al mundo
Music classes engage students by learning songs
and using instruments from around the world to
grow in musical knowledge, skills, and appreciation.
Students actively participate as listeners, performers,
composers, and improvisers.
International Perspective Throughout
the Curriculum…
Technology is vital to helping our students learn and
understand themselves and the world. Our school
puts 21st century technology into the hands of
our students through desktop computers, a laptop
mobile lab, and opportunities for webconferencing.
Classrooms are all equipped with LCD projectors
and interactive SMART boards, and teachers receive
ongoing professional development in the use of
technology.
Classroom learning - The international studies theme is woven into
classroom learning throughout the core curriculum areas of literacy, math,
science, and social studies. Six themes of global significance help children
engage with their own world and the world around them:
- Who We Are
- Sharing the Planet
- Where We Are in Place and Time
- How the World Works
- How We Organize Ourselves
- How We Express Ourselves
Science units teach the required District curriculum with an added global
perspective. Our science lessons include in-depth content using inquiry,
observation, and analysis.
Social studies units provide opportunities for students to expand their
knowledge of our ever-changing and interdependent world. Students also
build geographical knowledge as they develop an international perspective.
World Languages - Students select either Spanish or Mandarin
Chinese and receive 90 minutes of world language instruction each
week (kindergarten has 60 minutes). The primary focus is to work on
increasing understanding, listening, speaking, and cultural awareness while
acquiring increasing levels of proficiency as students progress from one
grade to the next. Our program uses the national standards of world
language education: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons
and communities.
Art classes allow students to explore the areas of expression,
imagination and creation. Students learn the why and how of creating
art by studying artists and cultures from ancient to contemporary times.
Media classes use storytelling, research and investigation to teach about
people, places, and cultures. Students have access to a large collection
of library materials, many emphasizing various cultures, along with
numerous research databases. Media lessons are integrated with the
classroom curriculum.